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Tethered Scanners and the MX9 Cradles
An MX9 powered cradle supports tethered scanner attachment. A powered cradle provides 5V power to a tethered scanner.
The passive vehicle cradle cannot support tethered scanner attachment. There is no software in the cradles.
Note: Tethered scanners connect to powered cradles by USB or serial connection.
Note: Pressing the MX9 Scan button has no effect on tethered bar code scanners connected to a powered cradle. Tethered
scanners read bar code scans only when the trigger on the tethered scanner is pressed.
A tethered scanner can be connected to the 9-pin RS232 Serial Interface port on the desktop cradle or to the Serial Interface
port on the back of the vehicle cradle.
Bluetooth scanner connection and use, while the MX9 is docked in a cradle, are managed by the MX9 Bluetooth client, not the
cradle.
MX9 keypad data entries can be mixed with tethered scanner bar code data entries. Any tethered scanner that decodes the bar
code internally and outputs an RS232 data stream may be used. It sends the data to the MX9 in ASCII format.
Tethered scanners send scanned data to the MX9 when the MX9 is in a powered cradle and the tethered scanner is connected
to the Serial Interface port on the cradle.
When a tethered scanner is connected to the Serial Interface port on a powered cradle, the MX9 must be configured as follows:
1. Open the Data Collection Wedge Main tab panel on the MX9.
2. Enable either Port 1, Port 2 or Port 3.
3. Close the Data Collection Wedge application.
Cradle Cleaning, Storage and Service
Cleaning
Do not use paper towels or harsh-chemical-based cleaning fluids since they may result in damage to the surfaces and/or battery
connectors.
Use a clean soft cloth to wipe any dirt, moisture or grease from the MX9, charging contacts or the cradle. Do not use any liquid
to clean the cradle, battery pack, MX9, or charging terminals (pins). Spray or dampen the cleaning cloth with liquids/sprays. If
possible, clean only those areas which are soiled.
Lint/particulates can be removed from the connectors, charging terminals and charging/docking bays with clean, filtered canned
air.
Storage
When the cradle is not in service, it should be stored in a cool dry place, protected from weather and airborne debris. Do not
store a spare MX9 or spare battery in the cradle in storage.
Service
There are no serviceable parts in MX9 cradles. Do not attempt to open the units.
If the cradle or mounting components are broken, loose or cracked, the assembly must be taken out of service and replaced.
Periodically test a mounted cradle for stability and tighten connections as needed.